COVID-19, also known as the novel coronavirus, first appeared in Wuhan, China towards the end of 2019. The causative agent of COVID-19, SARS-CoV-2, is a member of the coronavirus family, which includes viruses that can cause the common cold.
Although COVID-19 primarily affects the respiratory system, presenting symptoms such as a dry cough, nasal congestion, and a loss or alteration of the senses of taste and smell, it can also manifest more broadly with signs like fever, tiredness, muscle pain, and digestive issues.
The virus is mainly spread through close person-to-person contact and is transmitted via respiratory droplets produced when an infected individual coughs, sneezes, sings, talks, or breathes. Airborne transmission is also a possibility. Given these modes of transmission, wearing masks, hand hygiene, and maintaining physical distance are the most effective preventative measures currently recommended.
